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Babies are indeed truly adorable. It is a delight to watch them play and grow. It is rightly said that babies can bring a smile on your face. If you are a person who loves to be around babies then babysitting is something you will surely enjoy. The job of a babysitter is not that easy as it seems because it takes a lot of work, care plus ingenuity. You must know the rules, keep the little one entertained and must know what to do if there is an emergency.
We have shortlisted a few helpful tips which are sure to come handy when looking for a good babysitter or offering to be one yourself. Read on to know more.
5 Qualities of a good babysitter:
1. Communication is the key
Communication is extremely important when it comes to babysitting. You don’t have to figure out everything on your own. You must reach out to the parents if you have any kind of query or you are facing any issue. There should be an open line of communication between you and the parents as it will help in building trust.
2. Be prepared
Your top priority as a babysitter is to keep the baby safe. This means you must be fully prepared for any kind of emergency. Keep a list of all important numbers handy so that you know whom to contact if there is a crisis. Also, find out if the baby is allergic to some food items and what you need to do if there is an allergic reaction. Learn about toys and foodstuff which can cause a choking hazard, so that you can avoid them. Being proactive will help you to remain calm if there is an emergency.
3. Be active and enjoy
Babysitting does not mean that you entertain the little one by switching on the television or play rhymes on your phone. It would be good if you engage the baby in some interesting activities which will be good for their overall development and will also help you bond with them. Such activities will keep you and the baby active.
4. Be strict and reinforce rules
Babysitting can be taxing for sure, little one will tend to test your patience and push limits. The key is to maintain your calm and try not to give in. This will help them learn self-control and self-discipline. Babies do best with structures plus boundaries. It would be good if you find out about the rules of the house from the parents.
5. Be careful
In order to be a fantastic babysitter, you need to be extremely careful and watchful. You must be always in close proximity to the baby you are watching. Always keep an eye on the baby and avoid taking calls or texting unless there is an emergency. A little carelessness on your part can cause a major accident.
Needless to say that your child’s safety or of the one you plan to babysit is of utmost importance. Always make sure to do an exhaustive reference check when hiring one. Infact, even when you offer babysit a child in your family or that of your friends, be mindful of the fact that you are asked to take care of their child/children because you are worth trusting. Therefore, be responsible and act responsibly.
